A New (And Affordable!) Way to Satisfy That "I Gotta Have It" Shopping Itch

Okay, the "new" part is a stretch since it's only really new to me, but since I'm a sucker for a happy ending--in everything from cheesy rom-coms to a beat-the-system shopping tale--I just have to share this story with you: last week I had my first Etsy experience, and let me tell you, it was something special.

Okay, the "new" part is a stretch since it's only really new to me, but since I'm a sucker for a happy ending--in everything from cheesy rom-coms to a beat-the-system shopping tale--I just have to share this story with you: last week I had my first Etsy experience, and let me tell you, it was something special.

At some point during the last few weeks, I got it into my head that I wanted--no, make that needed a--a velvet blazer for fall. A crimson velvet blazer, to be specific. I spent some QT on the glamour.com shopping page and was surprised to see that while there were a lot of snazzy velvet blazers, very few of them synced up with the sassy red number that I'd whipped up in my imagination. Plus, they were all a little more than I was looking to spend on something that could just be an impulse buy. (I mean really: a Hugh Hefner-y red blazer? Where do I come up with these things?)

Since hitting up all the vintage stores in my neighborhood couldn't really be squeezed into my brunching-cleaning-bill-paying-drinking-and-sleeping weekend plans, I thought that maybe I'd just see if Etsy--the online emporium for handmade and vintage goodies--had something that would fit the bill. Low and behold there were dozens and dozens of vintage velvet blazers just waiting for me in the Etsy archives! I snapped a '70s version for $25, the seller sent it to me within the week and I wore it happily (make that very, very happily) all weekend!

Now I know some of you are freaked out by smelly old vintage stores but that's exactly why I'm getting all gushy about Etsy: I didn't have to paw through any dusty racks to find what I wanted, my jacket was exactly as described (plus it was clean and in mint condition!). It even arrived wrapped up in tissue paper and thin pink ribbon! It was exactly what I wanted--actually, since it was only $20, I think it was even better than anything I could have found in a store!

Anyhow, I just wanted to share that story with you in case you were thinking about buying a certain fall piece, but couldn't find it anywhere, I say give Etsy a shot. Meanwhile, check out these other gorgeous velvet finds that are currently on the site!